Peace, Love and Understanding

I am praying for peace and love, the understanding goes beyond praying and I am actively trying to understand more, know more- at home and abroad and certainly in the situation in Israel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAEjbCtZiqw  Israel at War: In the Beginning There Was the Word/ Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, this is an important, hard, sad, hopeful, beautiful video to watch and listen. I did so with tears nonstop and then I went to church. I needed my community of faith and my pastor's words.

I've written before on this platform about the important voice and perspective the Jewish faith has and continues to provide my life on Newark-Granivlle Road.  I thank the Denison parent who reached out and asked questions about our campus' support for students during this horrific time and happening and for sending me this video.

I'm following and listening to others with Palestinian connections, my heart breaks and I struggle to understand so much. At my church, I prayed, and this morning I prayed. I pray for healing, comfort, peace, and love not just for the Middle East, but those close and feeling such deep feelings. So many things happening to those close that need God's love and comfort and ours.  Wanting to be positive, there is also so much to celebrate and embrace- that was my travel for work last week and the weekend for us in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  We know how fortunate and blessed we are.

Joe Leithauser for Granville Village Council - The Campaign and Installation

Joe was installed- twice! The first time to get things moving so he could vote and engage. It also allows Rob to complete his service, thank you Rob.  And then on 12-20-23 at the Council meeting with his children and wife observing he did it again and participated in his first meeting. We're proud of him on Newark-Granville Road!

We giggled, it was quite, Joe said- just like church- we giggle! It's okay we're happy and engaged, so grateful we all could be together on this special day.

11-8-23  Joe won! I'll share details and data at some point but feel like we should share the results on this post! More soon in the blog about being sworn in on 12-20-23 and how he'll want to engage, share and hear from village and community members!! THANK YOU for making this so, each sign, check, conversation mattered!  Life on Newark-Granville Road is going in an exciting new direction!

11-7-23  Today is the day- we just voted for Joe! Joe is the Way to Go- someone said that, cute tagline!!

Regardless if he wins or loses, he is committed to our community will be involved and will run again. Finding ways to integrate communication into his service.  Going door to door has been affirming and energizing for both of us!  THANK YOU to everyone for support, texts, signs in yards, events, messages, and talking him up we heard it was working when talking with great Granvillians!

FYI, Sally and Peter voted early when home for Fall breaks and Clare was via absentee ballot!

Life on Newark-Granville Road has been very interesting, I'm really proud of Joe.

 10/25/23- Link updated- I didn't get to watch live, but enjoyed reviewing on the YouTube link:

10/22/23   Learn more about Joe's insights, reasons, and experience:

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/granville/2023/10/20/granville-village-council-candidates-talk-development-water-service/71123645007/

Recorded Forum on Monday, Oct 23, 2023   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tghhRWLqgY8

The Granville Chamber Alliance and the League of Women Voters of Licking County will jointly host a ‘virtual’ Candidate Forum from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23rd. Each candidate was afforded time for a brief opening statement and was asked to respond to two questions from among questions received from the community. Candidates also shared a brief closing statement. Please understand that this is not a debate format. Rather, the intent of this Forum is to allow candidates to share their own perspective and positions on key issues important to voters and to provide non-partisan education and information so that our local electorate is well informed about the upcoming election. Thank you in advance for your interest to become an informed voter!

Youtube Channel

Thank you to all that are learning more, supporting Joe, hosting signs and sharing information about his run for Village Council!

10./15/23- We have heard of the first vote for Joe, by Peter Leithauser!  Peter was home for fall break and the Wabash-Denison sporting events so he participated in early voting! Want to know about voting in Licking County, visit this site: https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/  Early voting info:

In Person Early Voting Hours

Board of Elections Office – 20 S. Second St., Newark

November 7, 2023 General Election

https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/election-info/early-voting-hours/

Want to know more about candidates and issues:

https://www.vote411.org/  The League of Women Voters is a valuable organization and provides this 411 site for details about issues and for candidates to answer questions and provide information to help you make a decision on how you cast your vote! Or maybe to help you think about questions for the candidates. Joe is ready to hear your thoughts and answer your questions. Communication is key, he knows this and Granville!  However he also needs to work with the other elected officials, volunteers and residents- so we all have an important role to play.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is interesting these days. Our grass-roots campaign appreciates your support! Signs, donations- see below, questions and dialogue- spread the word- Joe Knows Granville, if you can vote in the village Vote for Joe!

Wed Sept 27, 2023:

Yes, Joe is running for Granville Village Council.  Join us on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 3-5 pm at Wildwood Park to learn more, sign up to assist, and make a contribution! We'll also be planning yard sign distribution and neighborhood canvassing!

If you would like to donate, the maximum donation he can accept is $100 per family member. You can Venmo support to VoteJoeLeithauser or send a check to Treasurer Rob Ley, made out to Elect Joe Leithauser, 726 Westwood Dr, Newark ,OH 43055.

If you can't meet at Wildwood, but want to assist send Joe an email at JoeKnowsGranville@gmail.com or text him at 740 587 0435.

Thank you for the support, interest and care for our community.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- something new and exciting- I'm proud of Joe and his commitment to our community at an important time.  I'll post more here and be sharing on social media!  Joe Knows Granville and wants to serve!

2023-24 Book Club List

 

For over twenty years this group has gathered and selected a year's worth of reading, for discussion! The 23-24 list is a good one. We meet on the 1st Monday of the month- except labor day. Most meetings are in the lobby at Cherry Valley Hotel at 7:30 p.m. Some people get a glass of something and we always discuss the book. You are welcome if you haven't but spoilers happen. We're social too, how could we not be.  It is a wonderful group, still all women, and an occasional guest male joins us. For me, the reading experience is enhanced when I process by talking, listening, and contemplating many elements and perspectives related to a read or listen!! Life on Newark-Granville Road is better when I'm reading with this group, Thank you all!  

Things I want to do now that I have completed my MA* and after I move offices**!

1. GOLF- I barely golfed once a week this year- The Wednesday league didn't happen nearly enough due to travel, but each time I play I'm grateful.  Played 18 with Joe and Peter, and Bob Otter for 9 though!!

2. READ- Yes I'm back to reading, need to sync up my Good Reads Accounts, love that when I found the right account- the biggest with goals even- "Stoner" by John Williams was top of the list, and then Margot Singer's book listed there.

3. Go shooting with Joe- trap, skeet, sporting clays (never done)!

4. Excercise- have to get back to exercise

5. What I don't want to do as much- is be in the office on weekends, I do like to start Monday fresh, I like the quiet time but I took the full weekend off this weekend and it was so nice, I finished a book!

6. Drive the Scooter/Vespa- I named her Aurelia!  Liscense: check, plates- check, class- in progress, comfort: getting there- I did drive her the first time on NG road last weekend.

7. Back to sending letters- weekly...

8. Casual, easy time with friends...

9. For 2023 FAll-get Joe Leithauser elected to Granville Council!

10. Keep up with LFSOP, TFS, and topics that matter to this important field- join AFC!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is full and fabulous!

*completed the MA- Masters of Arts, Philanthropic Studies, Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI. I have received notice, the diploma is in the mail!

**I've loved being in Burton Music, on College St/ downhill/South Quad- I was a music minor and took classes here and Peter took Suzuki here.  It has been lovely but it is time to go. This beautiful building-https://denison.edu/map/places/burton-hall read more- will be restored to a residence hall! Isn't that wonderful - Students will live here and this means Denison is doing well and needs the space!

So where will you find me on the hill- Doane for now! More on Doane later- but yes this is a temp move as we'll go to a new building being built near Softball/Bio Reserve for IT, UComm, and Advancement- move in March!  Those in Doane (Adam Weinberg) moved to Beth Eden recently- it is gorgeous- and Whistler!  Have questions, let me know- feels a lot like who is on first!?!

The house is quiet, happy energy in Indiana, Granville Welcome Homes!

 Life on Newark-Granville Road has been filled with emotions during August 2023! On the  16th we loaded up the car and headed west to deliver Sally to DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.  Peter loaded up Gretel (car) and launched his senior year at Wabash.  We connected for dinner to pass the fridge he needed Martha (the car) to transport, and I was grateful!  

Sally moved in early due to field hockey and we enjoyed the parent meeting to get the lay of the land for the season,  She has chosen a great school and we're super proud of how she has prepared for this exciting time. She reminded us during move-in dinner that she has not loved being the only one at home and she was excited for this transition.  How can we be sad with that statement, proud, missing her, and embracing this new chapter/book in our lives?

We do love sharing special celebrations and enjoyed the night before dinner with the Love-Fullers.  It was extra special as we welcomed Coleen from France, staying with the Love-Fuller family.  As the month progressed we enjoyed connecting with Denisonians returning to Granville to deliver students, including Keith '91 with William '27 from Vietnam.

Time flies, I type this on 8/27 as I catch up with the blog. What a treat to say hello to Senior Annie and her Mom Kirsten for coffee today. Thanks to all those who reach out when coming home to Granville, Life on Newark-Granville Road is all the more rewarding

And now we Facetime on Sundays, watch Social media, and look forward to being welcomed home to Wabash and DePauw where our hearts have ventured from Newark-Granville Road!

Cue the music, Pomp & Circumstance, cue the Pomp and Circumstance....

This is a blog post I've dreamt of writing.  Life on Newark-Granville Road has been pretty consumed with my studies. Today I can type: I have completed my Masters in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  I hit submit on 8/6/23 and it was done.  I received notice of the grade in the class.  The officialness will continue, and I'll continue to update this post!  But truly it is done:

In a true academic approach, I'm going to make this post an outline with reflections:

Opening:

a. general feelings: bittersweet, pride, relief, joy, gratitude

b basic- why, what, how  

There was this job I wanted, it said Master's degree was preferred, I asked my boss if I should get a Master's she said- yes and pointed me to a few programs including LFSOP. But she said, ask the VP, the VP said- no you have amazing experience and don't need it, but ask our consultant.  I asked the consultant and she said, get an MBA, know the financial world to work with your donors (I had considered an MBA when I worked for Fed-Mogul and they would have paid 90%)! So there were three different answers, I knew who to listen to- me! The reality is the LFSOP program sounded interesting so I contacted the admission person and met for coffee, I took one class, then the certificate program, then the MA- I did it step by step!

Reflections:

b. true journey valued the journey- James Clear - DU alum, author, and friend reminded us of this at Remix 2023 and it is so true.  Each course, and each assignment was a step in a not-so-easy but rewarding journey a  journey that changed and challenged me, made my life on NG road more interesting

a.  lessons learned- affirmed, strengthened:

-my major- I have been involved in philanthropy my whole life and to study it was a gift, to study it with the liberal-arts approach- providential- perfect-- what is the correct word to describe this? Ideal for me!

-the answer always is "it depends" and you must look at both sides, or many sides...you must find an answer but don't quickly to to yes or no, right or wrong...

-the connection between the sectors, the overlap and relationships- really valued this after 10 years in the for-profit sector, 21 in the nonprofit sector and the view of government with my chamber board hat, practical assisted the lessons of the classroom and the interplay is something I had not really considered.  Well-timed with Joe's run for Village Council in Granville!

d. Internships/Last class - it truly pulled it all together- religion, giving, directions groups can take. I was able to download my papers as my IUPUI google drive goes away! 

Closing:

a. What is next- the question everyone asks...

Are you getting a new job? Answer- not for some time.  This hopefully will support "retirement" when Joe and I want to work less/different- consulting maybe, or assisting consultants, or PT/ interim work, international time, exciting right?!! People ask about teaching and I quickly said no, however after presenting this summer and a conversation with my advisor, the answer is maybe! Not at the academic level but as a person of practice, maybe- the answer I guess here is- it depends!

b. Celebration:

a. Surprise- Amanda is too good!  Pink mortar boards?!!! Charity?!?!- Lori was ready with the Pink Bubbles, Brian that cake, Leigh Ann the sweets, and everyone that attended, reached out, oh my oh my oh my- so much more to say....dear toasts by the kids...and Barbie- what a message and way to celebrate- I went to the move and I read a book that wasn't required reading...(what is next?!!)

b. Ciao Bella...next learning- e- Vespa training (secured lisc. and tags today!!)

c. Will I walk in a Graduation/ Commencement Ceremony- nope- the program offered that opportunity in May it was the same day as Clare's and Denison's so that was out.  When the degree arrives and the regalia we'll find a way to make it official and capture the moments in our own way.  I've heard people talk about it truly being a family degree and it is- I could not have done it without Joe and the kids have all walked it with me. My Mom i pretty proud of me too, another reflection for above- 1st graduate level degree for my family.

I posted about this today- but for the record- picture:

Home from Camp 2023

 

The girls are back! Summer 2023, a success for Sally and Clare! I can't say enough good about what Camp Alleghany provides for our family.  More here later but I wanted to do a quick chronicle that they are home, and it happened.  

It is the first year we have not traveled to Greenbrier County, WV as a family or me as an individual. They came and went on their own, together- happy sigh.  They each had added responsibilities and important milestones- Clare hit 10 years (turtle charm!)  I received only one letter from each of them, but phone calls during days off- life as a counselor is different than the camper-this part of the important life lessons.

Life on Newark-Granville Road, August 7- 2023- dinner for five in the dining room, anticipation and touching base to plan the evening, dessert from Whits. Happiness is....